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Autonomous Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hire Aregio

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Bilingual Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Ever wondered what it's actually like to work on autonomous vehicle technology? Here's your chance to be in the driver's seat -- literally. We're looking for a bilingual (English/Spanish) driver with ...

Key Resource Group

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Driver/Tester - Autonomous Vehicles

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$28/hr

... autonomous vehicle development. We have openings in Sunnyvale and possibly future openings in San Francisco. We are seeking Drivers who will assist in Data Collection as Test / Vehicle Operators to ...

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA

$106K - $140K/yr

Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has ...

Terraline

Senior Propulsion Controls Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Terraline is creating the only clean-sheet, battery-electric heavy truck that is designed for any human or autonomous driver, and is capable of exceeding 500 miles of range. The Terraline team has ...

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All JobsAutonomous Driver JobsAutonomous Driver Jobs in California

Autonomous Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do autonomous driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for autonomous driver in California is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Autonomous Driver vs Commercial Driver?

AspectAutonomous DriverCommercial Driver
Required CredentialsNone or specialized training for operating autonomous vehicle systemsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) and specific certifications
Work EnvironmentOperating or overseeing autonomous vehicle technology, often in testing or deployment settingsDriving trucks, buses, or delivery vehicles in various environments
Industry UsageEmerging in autonomous vehicle development and testingEstablished in transportation, logistics, and delivery sectors

The main difference between Autonomous Driver and Commercial Driver lies in their roles and required credentials. Autonomous Drivers focus on managing or testing self-driving vehicle technology, often without traditional driving duties, while Commercial Drivers operate vehicles manually in transportation industries. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within the evolving transportation landscape.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autonomous driver?

To thrive as an Autonomous Driver, you need a solid understanding of vehicle operation, traffic regulations, and safety protocols, often supported by a valid driver's license and specialized training in autonomous systems. Familiarity with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), GPS navigation, and telematics platforms is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving ability, and clear communication skills help ensure safe vehicle operation and effective coordination with remote teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance in the rapidly evolving field of autonomous transportation.

What are some common challenges faced by autonomous drivers during vehicle testing, and how are they addressed?

Autonomous drivers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable road conditions, interpreting the behavior of human drivers, and managing system handovers between manual and autonomous control. To address these, thorough training is provided on safety protocols, real-time communication with engineering teams is maintained, and detailed reporting procedures are followed for any unexpected occurrences. Continuous feedback and debrief sessions help improve both the technology and operational processes, ensuring the team adapts to evolving scenarios and maintains high safety standards.

What is an autonomous driver?

Autonomous drivers are systems or technologies that enable vehicles to operate without direct human control. These systems use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence to perceive their environment and make driving decisions. Autonomous drivers are commonly found in self-driving cars, trucks, and delivery vehicles, aiming to improve safety and efficiency on the roads. People working as autonomous driver operators may monitor these vehicles, intervene if needed, and help collect data to improve the technology.
What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Driver jobs in California? For Autonomous Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Driver jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Autonomous Driver jobs? Cities in California with the most Autonomous Driver job openings:
Autonomous Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,484 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Bilingual Autonomous Vehicle Safety Driver

Hire Aregio

San Jose, CA • On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Full-time

Life

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

Help shape the future of self-driving cars — while getting paid to drive.


Ever wondered what it's actually like to work on autonomous vehicle technology? Here's your chance to be in the driver's seat — literally. We're looking for a bilingual (English/Spanish) driver with AV experience to help test, evaluate, and improve cutting-edge self-driving technology in San Jose.
You won't just be driving. You'll be the human feedback loop that helps engineers make this technology safer and smarter every single day. If you love cars, tech, and being part of something genuinely new, this is a rare seat to have.


What your day looks like:

  • Operate autonomous test vehicles (up to 8 hours/day) and see the tech in action firsthand
  • Give engineers real, actionable feedback that shapes how the vehicles perform
  • Stay sharp on evolving procedures as the technology develops
  • Represent the company professionally out in the field
  • Pitch in on day-to-day operations — vehicle washing, garage upkeep, and the occasional coworker carpool

What we're looking for:

  • 2+ years of experience as an AV Safety Operator or Safety Officer
  • Fluent in English and Spanish (written and verbal)
  • A valid U.S. driver's license and a clean driving record
  • Someone who takes safety seriously and thrives in a fast-moving, startup-style environment
  • Willingness to travel internationally 25%+ of the time (including the Middle East and Europe) to help train new safety drivers abroad

Nice to have:

  • You're a team player who works well with others
  • You geek out over vehicles or have hands-on maintenance experience
  • You know your way around vehicle tech
  • You speak a third language

What's in it for you:

  • Competitive hourly pay ($28–$40/hr)
  • Pre-tax commuter benefits
  • Subsidized healthcare benefits
  • Flexible Spending Account for healthcare costs
  • Employer-covered short- and long-term disability and life insurance
  • 401(k) plan

The fine print: This is a full-time, ongoing contract role staffed through Hire Aregio. It's fully onsite in San Jose, CA, so you'll need to be local to the area.

Company Description

Benefits:

- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Employer subsidized Healthcare Benefits
- Flexible Spending Account for healthcare-related costs
- Employer covers all costs for short- and long-term disability and life insurance
- 401k package